Melbourne, VIC (May 24, 2018) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and not-for-profits and the company behind the iMIS 20 Engagement Management System (EMS)™, released its fourth annual Global Benchmark Reports on Membership Performance and Fundraising Performance today. Conducted in the latter part of 2017, the two reports explore the foremost challenges, goals and opportunities not-for-profits are currently facing to both attract new members/donors and to maintain their existing bases. A total of 620 executives across the United States, Canada, Asia-Pacific and Europe/Middle East/India/Africa (EMEIA) participated in the survey — a 10% increase over 2017.
The surveys consisted of 23 questions spanning five primary interest areas: demographics, performance, technology, website/mobile, and goals. ASI distributed the questionnaires via email to senior-level executives at organisations of all sizes and sectors around the world.
The fourth annual survey reports uncover the latest trends in operational performance, new member/donor acquisition strategies, engagement plans and measurement, technology investments, website updates, and overall operational performance improvement.
Membership Performance
The 4th annual report shares findings on how membership organisations are attracting new members, keeping them engaged, and ensuring retention rates. It includes new questions on recurring memberships, data protection and PCI compliance as well as covering staff efficiency, revenue growth, and continuous performance improvement. For the first time, survey respondents reported they were most concerned about increasing member engagement. Other findings include:
- 70% reported overall retention rates of more than 75% — up from 65% in 2017
- 52% reported at least 50% of all renewals and new member joins were processed online
- Confidence in future growth/sustainability is down from 2017
- 60% believe their organisations are PCI compliant
Fundraising Performance
The 2018 report shares insights from hundreds of fundraising executives on the most effective marketing strategies they use to attract new donors and keep them coming back. The report includes new questions on recurring donations/regular giving, and data protection and PCI compliance and also addresses donor levels, goals and challenges, and continuous performance improvement. This year, “increasing donor acquisition” moved to the top of the list of priorities. Additional findings include:
- 50% reported an increase in overall engagement — up from 46% in 2017
- Just 49% saw increases — down from 54% in 2017
- 68% report their organisations are PCI compliant
- Confidence in future growth/sustainability dipped from 2017 rates
About ASI
Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of software and services to associations and not-for-profits. Founded in 1991, ASI focuses on helping clients increase operational and financial performance through the use of best practices, proven solutions, and ongoing client advisement. ASI is the provider of iMIS, a complete association and not-for-profit management software system that is cloud-based, mobile-ready, and PCI-validated. It includes options for membership, fundraising, events, product sales, certification, marketing, website management, and more. Learn more at www.advsol.com.
